Nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) (NOS2)

Nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2), commonly known as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), is a key enzyme that catalyzes the production of nitric oxide (NO) from L-arginine in response to inflammatory stimuli and cytokines [1][4]. In the tumor microenvironment, diffusible NO acts as a pleiotropic signaling molecule that can exert both pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic effects depending on its local concentration and the cellular context [2][3]. While high levels of NO can induce oxidative stress and apoptosis in tumor cells, chronic low-to-moderate levels often promote tumor progression by stimulating angiogenesis, enhancing cell invasion, and facilitating immune evasion through the modulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells [2]. NOS2 is frequently overexpressed in various human malignancies, including breast, colon, and lung cancers, where its activity often correlates with increased tumor grade and poor clinical prognosis [2][3]. Therapeutic strategies targeting NOS2 involve the use of small-molecule inhibitors to disrupt the pro-tumorigenic signaling of NO or the use of NO-donors to leverage its cytotoxic potential in combination with other therapies [1][3].

Other names

iNOSInducible nitric oxide synthaseNOS-IIHEP-NOS

Competitive inhibition of the L-arginine binding site of the enzyme to reduce the production of diffusible nitric oxide.